Three unauthorized signs asking to keep noise to a minimum were attached to a city sign at Oathill Lake in Dartmouth on Tuesday. Photo by Submitted by SolveHFXArticle contentUnauthorized signs attached to an official Halifax Regional Municipality signpost at Oathill Lake may be the result of a resident unhappy with the usage of the Dartmouth lake, said a former resident of the area.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentOn Tuesday, a Facebook post by SolveHFX, an independent civic reporting platform for HRM residents, featured a photo of the three unauthorized signs, which asked visitors to respect neighbours, keep noise to a minimum, and have children use their indoor voices.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentAmanda Smith, who grew up in the area and whose parents still live on a street that neighbours the lake, believes the fact that the lake is tucked away in the small Dartmouth neighbourhood has some residents resentful of its use by others.Article contentArticle content“It’s a bit of a hidden gem, and a small number of people in the area take exception to people using the park,” said Amanda Smith, who still frequently swims in Oathill Lake. “They seem to forget that it is not private property, but a public space where all are welcome if they find it.”Article contentArticle contentSmith said the swimming area and the lake are never particularly noisy. “At peak times, noise might be akin to a small playground or park.”Article contentArticle contentJennifer Nowlan, another resident of the area and frequent swimmer at Oathill Lake, agreed that noise isn’t an issue.Article contentArticle content“You might hear kids playing, but this is a calm lake and there isn’t a lot of crazy noise,” said Nowlan.Article contentSigns taken downArticle contentBy Wednesday, the unauthorized signs were taken down, said Graeme Benjamin, a public affairs advisor for the city.Article contentArticle content“At this time, the municipality has no information on who installed them,” said Benjamin. “Residents are encouraged to report issues directly through official municipal channels by using the municipality’s online service request forms or by contacting 311.”Article contentArticle contentBenjamin said that municipal parks are governed by the municipal parks bylaw.Article content“If an individual contravenes the bylaw, they may be subject to enforcement, including a fine. The applicable enforcement action depends on the circumstances of the incident,” he said.Article content A Halifax Regional Municipality sign at the entrance to Oathill Lake in Dartmouth. Photo by George MyrerArticle contentThere is already a city sign at the lake that asks people to be respectful of the park, its neighbours, to stay off private property and limit excessive noise.Article contentLake should be enjoyed by allArticle contentSmith said lakes and woodlands should be enjoyed by all.Article contentArticle content“Oathill Lake is a treasure for the community and needs to be protected but also enjoyed,” said Smith. “I have fond memories of playing in the woods, swimming in the lake in the summer, and skating on the lake in the winter.”Article contentArticle contentShe says she is delighted to see new generations coming out to spend time at the lake.Article contentArticle content“Swimming and outdoor play are healthy, positive recreational activities. Happy kids make noise. I welcome the sounds of play during any daytime hours. I’ve never heard excessive noise at the lake. Only normal sounds of laughing, talking, and splashing. We should be encouraging youth to play outside, not scolding them for it.”Article content
Unauthorized signs asking kids to use ‘indoor voices’ at Dartmouth lake taken down
